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I’m up against the stable door with Porter’s mouth against my throat. “Any more of this, and I’m not gonna make it into town.”
“Maybe that’s not such a bad thing,” he growls against my ear, then takes my mouth again in a heated kiss that makes my toes curl. Nothing will ever compare to the way Porter’s lips move against mine.
Ever since a couple of nights ago at the stream, things have been sweeter between us. And hotter. Way hotter. The heated looks, furtive smiles, and secret meet-ups have nearly done me in. But I also know my time is limited—as is Porter’s patience. I need to tell my parents, even if it means disappointing them. Somehow that’s not worse than disappointing Porter. Not after what he shared with me. How much he was hurting, how he opened to me and helped me see inside him.
When his hands find my waistband, I break the kiss and place my hands firmly on his shoulders. “Oh no you don’t. You’ll just have to owe me one.”
It’s after dinner, and I’m seeing Aimee off before heading to the Laurel Springs council meeting to help represent the ranchers in a dispute over water pipes. Changing the ordinances is an issue we’re keeping our eye on because it could affect the drainage on our land and make it more prone to flooding. Never a dull day in the ranching business.
But I have a feeling Porter only cares about the part where I’m saying goodbye to my ex before she travels back to her husband and life. We had a nice chat when she was here for lunch, and it only solidified the idea that we were never right for each other. But it was so good to catch up with her because I missed her friendship, and she’s one of the only people who understands what my life is like and how much pressure I feel on a daily basis.
A couple of horses nicker. “See?” I tell Porter. “Even Storm knows I’m right.”
“Or maybe he wants you to stay.”
I chuckle. “Doubt that. He only has eyes for you.”
As he steps away, he mutters, “At least somebody does.”
His cheeks are red, which tells me Porter feels insecure, something I rarely get from him. I try for humor. “How dare you say that after my mouth performed miracles on your dick?”
Porter rolls his eyes. “I think miracle is giving yourself a little too much credit.”
“Liar.” I snicker as I straighten my clothes and fuss with my hair. “I like that you’re just putting it out there—your feelings. More of that, please.”
His eyes dim briefly with the familiar hint of fear filtering through.
I grip his shirt and pull him toward me. “Stop.”
His eyebrows knit together. “Stop what?”
“I see your brain spinning on all cylinders. We’ll figure this out together, remember?”
He makes a frustrated sound. “What does that even mean, though? You’re not out to your parents, and the guys will only think you’re favoring me.”
“I am favoring you.” I kiss his cheek. “Your eyes and lips and voice are my favorites.”
His eyes soften briefly before they clear.
“And I do plan on telling my parents.” In fact, it might be time to follow through on my dream to build something of my own on the land, close enough to enjoy the mountain view and far enough to be completely private.
“How about Aimee?” His tone is the same as when I rode out to him at the stream. I’ll admit I enjoy the jealousy, or maybe possessiveness is the better word, but I also hate hurting him.
“For your information, she’s always known.”
He stiffens. “What are you talking about?”
“When she came to the ranch for lunch, she asked me if I told you.”
“Told me what?”
“How heartbroken I was when you left.” I almost leave out the other part, but secrets aren’t a good idea, so I just let it fly. “And how I was in love with you.”
I avert my eyes because those words are overwhelming, and my heart is going haywire as it is. When Porter doesn’t say anything, I look at him. He’s standing motionless, staring at me.
“What? It was a long time ago and?—”
“Were you?” His voice is hoarse. “In love with me?”
